Latest blog posts

Understanding the National Planning Level (NPL)

Understanding the National Planning Level (NPL)

Understanding the National Planning Level (NPL)   The Australian Government announced its intention to establish a National Planning Level (NPL) for 2025. Interestingly, the announcement includes the concept of “new international student commencements.” We discuss what those terms mean in this article. 1. Understanding the National Planning Level (NPL) The NPL represents the total number

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What happens past 2025 for international education in Australia

What happens past 2025 for international education in Australia? 

What happens past 2025 for international education in Australia?    On 27 August 2024, the Australian government unexpectedly, amidst the ongoing Senate inquiry into the ESOS Amendment Bill, announced that, subject to the passage of legislation before the Parliament, which will set a National Planning Level (NPL) for new international student commencements of 270,000 for

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Cap Outcomes for Private Providers

Cap Outcomes for Private Providers

Cap Outcomes for Private Providers Based on the information provided, private VET colleges may face significant challenges due to the new enrolment caps and the overall reduction in international student numbers. Below is a modeling of potential outcomes and strategic plans that private education providers could consider for future operations. 1. Enrollment Reduction and Financial

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Australia's Student Visa: A Growing Concern

Australia’s Student Visa: A Growing Concern

Australia’s Student Visa: A Growing Concern Australia’s student visa application costs have soared, refusal rates are at their peak, and now significant legislation is being prepared to limit the number of enrolments to education providers on an individual course level.  Stricter Immigration Policies The current announcement of student caps comes amid a series of stricter

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Opinion on Student Caps Crossroads for the Australian International Education Sector

Opinion on Student Caps: Crossroads for the Australian International Education Sector

Opinion on Student Caps: Crossroads for the Australian International Education Sector Australia has long been heralded as a prime destination for international students, offering top-tier education and a culturally enriching experience. However, the recent announcement of student caps poses a serious questionmark not only to the higher education sector but also to the broader sentiment

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Enrolment limits for international students

Australian Government introduced enrolment limits for international students

Australian Government introduced enrolment limits for international students Starting in 2025, the Australian Government will impose enrolment limits on new overseas students as part of its ongoing efforts to manage the international education sector. This significant policy shift will see the Department of Education implementing specific data definitions that underpin these limits, aimed at maintaining

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Australia's Cap on International Enrolments, Ministerial Direction 107 and ESOS Bill Senate inquiry

Australia’s Cap on International Enrolments, Ministerial Direction 107 and ESOS Bill Senate inquiry

Australia’s Cap on International Enrolments, Ministerial Direction 107 and ESOS Bill Senate inquiry   The proposed amendments to the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act, which include capping the number of international students allowed into Australia and granting new ministerial powers to limit the number of students in individual university courses, have faced harsh

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The importance of online communities for international students

The importance of online communities for international students

The importance of online communities for international students In today’s globalised world, international education has become a cornerstone of cultural exchange, knowledge sharing, and economic development. As universities and colleges worldwide welcome students from diverse backgrounds, providing adequate support to international students has become a crucial aspect of fostering a positive educational experience. One powerful

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Rights and Responsibilities of International Students in Australia

Rights and Responsibilities of International Students in Australia

Rights and Responsibilities of International Students in Australia Australia is a popular destination for international students, offering high-quality education, diverse cultures, and a vibrant lifestyle. However, studying in a foreign country comes with a set of rights and responsibilities that students must understand to ensure a successful and safe experience.  This article outlines the key

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Are we witnessing a change for Higher Education globally? 

Are we witnessing a change for Higher Education globally? 

Are we witnessing a change for Higher Education globally?  Recent changes in international education policies across the UK, Canada, and Australia raise an unsettling question: Are these governments intentionally undermining higher education as a sector? With universities traditionally being high-income, low-tax entities, coupled with a growing shift towards short courses, online delivery, and micro-credentials, it

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Do We Really Need Caps on International Students in Australia?

Do We Really Need Caps on International Students in Australia?

Do We Really Need Caps on International Students in Australia? Australia has undergone nine significant changes to its student migration rules over the past year. Now, as the Senate prepares to review a controversial piece of legislation aimed at capping international student numbers from next year, the question arises: Is this cap truly necessary? The

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The Dangerous Precedent of Government-Controlled Student Enrollments in Higher Education

The Dangerous Precedent of Government-Controlled Student Enrollments in Higher Education

In recent months, the Australian government’s decision to limit international student enrollments at universities and colleges has sparked intense debate. Under this new policy, educational institutions are restricted to having no more than 40% of their student body comprised of overseas students, with these caps based on 2019 enrollment numbers. While proponents argue that this

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Your guide to Australian visa changes for 2024

Your guide to Australian visa changes for 2024

  Your guide to Australian visa changes for 2024   As part of the Migration Strategy released in December 2023 the Government announced a number of reforms to the international education system in an attempt to support genuine international students applying for a student visa to Autralia. We have prepared a summary of the key

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Is international education in Australia entering a new phase?

Is international education in Australia entering a new phase?   After recent changes to the immigration policy, many were predicting challenging times for Australia’s international student market. After being hit with the pandemic, the 408 visa disaster, and sudden visa refusals, the reputation of Australia’s international education sector has tarnished.   Effective from 1 July

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Australia’s Education Minister Poorly poorly briefed

Australia’s Education Minister Poorly Briefed

Australia’s education minister has confirmed plans to cap international student enrollments. Draft Framework and has moved to the legislative implementation phase through the introduction of the ESOS Amendment Bill.   The caps on international student enrollments for Australia’s institutions are expected to be calculated over the next three months, as stated by Education Minister Jason

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Opinion: The Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment Bill 2024: A Misguided Approach?

Opinion: The Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment Bill 2024: A Misguided Approach?

Opinion: The Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment Bill 2024: A Misguided Approach?   Submissions to the Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee Inquiry into the Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024 [Provisions] closed on 1 July. So far, 64 submissions have been published.    From my experience, the practicalities

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Current Situation of the International Education Industry in Australia

Current Situation of the International Education Industry in Australia

Current Situation of the International Education Industry in Australia   Who is the victim here? The international education sector in Australia has long been a vibrant part of the nation’s economy and cultural fabric. However, recent developments have raised significant concerns about the treatment and experience of international students. As we delve into the current

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Immigration Australia Update 1 July 2024

New student visa fees, visa processing priorities and timeframes

  New student visa fees, visa processing priorities and timeframes   The government has announced, without any prior notice or industry consultation, a steep hike in student visa fees from 1 July 2024 to a staggering AUD$1,600.    As per Minister’s statement: “This increase reflects the increasing value of education in Australia and reflects the

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International education is entering a new phase

International education is entering a new phase

International education is entering a new phase   After recent changes to the immigration policy, many are predicting challenging times for Australia’s international student market. After being hit with the pandemic, the 408 visa disaster, and sudden visa refusals, the reputation of Australia’s international education sector has tarnished.   Effective from 1 July 2024, Australia

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International education in Australia - Update June 2024

International education in Australia – Update June 2024

International education in Australia – Update June 2024   Visa Grant Decline in 2024 The latest data release from the Australian government reveals a significant drop in study visa grants to offshore applicants. A total of 74,421 study visas were granted from January through April 2024, marking a nearly 30% decline from the 104,808 granted

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New restrictions for student visas in Australia

New restrictions for student visas in Australia

New restrictions for student visas in Australia Are these changes really useful? Secrecy and late-night announcements without any transition period seem to be the recent modus operandi in relation to the international education industry.    Any business operating within this sector requires periods for transition, notice to clients and regulators, and consideration of various compliance

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